South African High Commission in Mozambique temporarily shuts its doors. South Africa’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, H.E. Mr M Moopeloa, reported that there have been sporadic incidents of stoning and blockades of roads in the vicinity of Maputo including the Airport.  The High Commissioner went on to advise that South Africans planning to visit Mozambique take note of these reports and that persons travelling by road are urged to avoid the N4 between Maputo and Matola.   Flights into Maputo by both SAA and the local airline LAN were cancelled today.  Those travelling to Mozambique are urged to consult with their airline.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane briefs the Media on the outcomes of the China State Visit and other International Issues, Cape Town, South Africa, 2 September 2010.
Picture by: Jacoline Prinsloo

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting, 01 September 2010, Cape Town. Cabinet held its ordinary meeting in Cape Town on 1 September 2010. Cabinet expressed concern about the ongoing public sector strike and the negative effect it was having on public services. Cabinet urged the negotiators to find an amicable and ‘win win’ solution sooner so that life can return to normal for the thousands of South Africans who are unable to access essential services such as medical care and preparations for the end of the year examinations.

Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe to meet the Japanese State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Osamu Fujiimura. Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Sue Van Der Merwe, will meet the Japanese State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Osamu Fujiimura on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 in Cape Town. Mr Fjiimura arrives in South Africa today, 31 August 2010.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim to have Bilateral Meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Finland on 30 August 2010. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim I Ebrahim, will hold a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, Mr Jyrki Katainen, who is also Minister of Finance, on 30 August 2010. Deputy Prime Minister Katainen, who will be accompanied by a business delegation, will arrive in South Africa on Sunday 29 August 2010.

The DIRCO Sports Teams strengthen Sporting Ties with South Africa’s Neighbours. Almost 60 members of the DIRCO Sports Council - representing various sporting codes such as women's soccer, soccer, netball and volleyball - will depart this morning, 27 August 2010, for the Kingdom of Lesotho where they will participate in a sub-regional sports competition against Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The team will return to the country on Sunday, 29 August 2010.

President Jacob. G. Zuma arrives back in the country after a successful State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob G. Zuma, will arrive in the country today, Friday, 27 August 2010, after undertaking a successful State Visit to the People’s Republic of China. President Zuma’s visit to China came within the context of South Africa's priority to consolidate South-South Relations and strengthening political, economic and trade relations with the Peoples Republic of China.

Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to hold a Bilateral Meeting with Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Mr Vuk Jeremic, on 30 August 2010. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will host the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vuk Jeremic for bilateral meeting on 30 August 2010 in Pretoria. Mr Jeremic arrives in South Africa on Sunday, 29 August 2010.